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Chris Collins CIA #1
Capitol Break: A Chris Collins CIA Thriller: Book 1
Could you save the world, if your world was falling apart?
Chris Collins is a CIA Deputy Director with a history of rogue missions. He's lost his wife, his career, and maybe his friends...but there are new "friends" around every corner.
And along with the new friends some powerful new enemies. Non-stop action across exotic locations.
Chris Collins just can't catch a break. Read all about it in the first full length novel in the hit Chris Collins CIA Thriller series. You'll laugh some, you'll cry some, you'll hold your breath, and then you'll hope to hell he survives for another adventure.
Readers of James Rollins, Matthew Reilly, and Mark Dawson will LOVE this series. Pick up a copy, put the phone on silent, and lock the door - this is going to be an all-nighter!
Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2019
1192 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
John Hopton
27 books6 followersJohn's fiction work focuses mainly on spy thrillers, while his only non-fiction work (so far) takes a humourous look at football around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 3, 2021
For being the first book in the series, there is a lot of backstory that was briefly mentioned that needed to be filled in. This book read more like the 4th or 5th in the series.
The storyline was okay, but the MC could have been more human. Bouncing back from a broken collarbone and fighting like a superhero on a night's rest; I don't think so. When his wife calls and says the marriage is over, he doesn't even think about her again for the rest of the book. Really?
The storyline was okay, but the MC could have been more human. Bouncing back from a broken collarbone and fighting like a superhero on a night's rest; I don't think so. When his wife calls and says the marriage is over, he doesn't even think about her again for the rest of the book. Really?
December 15, 2019
Great book at a break-neck pace. Read this one in 2 days!
May 14, 2020
Another run of the mill story featuring a disgraced CIA agent running all over Europe and Northern Africa trying to solve the mystery of who framed him and why. And, as usual, it all comes back to Washington politics.
Several others in the series, but I think I'll pass.
Several others in the series, but I think I'll pass.
October 10, 2023
Action packed conspiracy thriller.
December 27, 2022
A Quick, exciting read!
This fast-paced action-packed thriller has no filler. Just heart-stopping action, plenty of twists, and red-herrings.
And a cliffhanger to keep us craving for more!
I received a free copy of the book in Dec. 2019 and finally dug it out of the pile to read.
This fast-paced action-packed thriller has no filler. Just heart-stopping action, plenty of twists, and red-herrings.
And a cliffhanger to keep us craving for more!
I received a free copy of the book in Dec. 2019 and finally dug it out of the pile to read.
August 26, 2020
Washington DC. Emma Oakland (chief fundraiser) was trying to get everyone’s attention.
She introduced Senator Matthew McGoldrick (Presidential candidate).
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma). Restaurant. Tsu (f) & Marco (Tsu’s colleague) took cover. Shots were being fired.
Marco had been killed.
Tsu loaded the assailant up in the van.
George Bush Center for Intelligence (CIA Headquarters) Langley, McLean, Fairfax County, VA. Chris Collins (former CIA Deputy Director, retired US Navy SEALs officer) informed CIA Director Helen Miller he was quitting.
Off the Record bar. Chris had spotted someone he hadn’t seen in quite a while; Basem Lellouche (aka Adham Mokrani, professional hitman).
He decided he better follow him.
When Chris awoke the Nurse told him you have a broken nose, collarbone & severe concussion.
Pakati Stadium. Osman is to meet with Sheikh Habib (SIA leader)
Chris was on the run he had been accused of murder.
It was Basem Lellouche (aka Adham Mokrani, professional hitman) that had killed the female.
What is the McGoldrick group planning?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written CIA Thriller book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great CIA Thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Tropical Thrillers Press; Beachbum Brigade Reader Group; BookFunnel; FreeBooksy; eBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
She introduced Senator Matthew McGoldrick (Presidential candidate).
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma). Restaurant. Tsu (f) & Marco (Tsu’s colleague) took cover. Shots were being fired.
Marco had been killed.
Tsu loaded the assailant up in the van.
George Bush Center for Intelligence (CIA Headquarters) Langley, McLean, Fairfax County, VA. Chris Collins (former CIA Deputy Director, retired US Navy SEALs officer) informed CIA Director Helen Miller he was quitting.
Off the Record bar. Chris had spotted someone he hadn’t seen in quite a while; Basem Lellouche (aka Adham Mokrani, professional hitman).
He decided he better follow him.
When Chris awoke the Nurse told him you have a broken nose, collarbone & severe concussion.
Pakati Stadium. Osman is to meet with Sheikh Habib (SIA leader)
Chris was on the run he had been accused of murder.
It was Basem Lellouche (aka Adham Mokrani, professional hitman) that had killed the female.
What is the McGoldrick group planning?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written CIA Thriller book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great CIA Thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Tropical Thrillers Press; Beachbum Brigade Reader Group; BookFunnel; FreeBooksy; eBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 3, 2022
.
“…The man got to his feet and came at her, taking hold of her knife-carrying right arm and gripping it tight. She swung her left hand and her fist connected with his jaw, then she brought it back quickly for a second swing. She felt his jaw break as she landed again, but he didn’t let go of her arm and was going for her eyes with his fingers. She mustered all her strength and swung a third time. The man’s grimace turned to a blank expression as he lost consciousness, swaying to his right and towards the ground.…”
“…she walked across the room, picked up the attacker by his hair, put her arm around his chest and carried him out of the restaurant….”
MY GOD, I WISH I WEAR A WOMAN—THE MOST PERFECT, TOUGHEST, STRONGEST, BEST FIGHTING THING EVER INVENTED (CREATED, MADE UP) IN HOLLYWOOD BY HONOR BLACKMAN AND DIANA RIGG!!!!
Also, book is VERY predictable.
.
“…The man got to his feet and came at her, taking hold of her knife-carrying right arm and gripping it tight. She swung her left hand and her fist connected with his jaw, then she brought it back quickly for a second swing. She felt his jaw break as she landed again, but he didn’t let go of her arm and was going for her eyes with his fingers. She mustered all her strength and swung a third time. The man’s grimace turned to a blank expression as he lost consciousness, swaying to his right and towards the ground.…”
“…she walked across the room, picked up the attacker by his hair, put her arm around his chest and carried him out of the restaurant….”
MY GOD, I WISH I WEAR A WOMAN—THE MOST PERFECT, TOUGHEST, STRONGEST, BEST FIGHTING THING EVER INVENTED (CREATED, MADE UP) IN HOLLYWOOD BY HONOR BLACKMAN AND DIANA RIGG!!!!
Also, book is VERY predictable.
.
March 15, 2020
This is a great follow-on to Rogue Enemy where Chris wound up being demoted. In this story, he has advised his boss that he was resigning from the CIA. Shortly thereafter, he was being pursued for assaulting an individual. Chris knew that he would have to clear his name and the only way that he was going to be able to do that would be finding out the conspiracy that was going on in D.C. He wound up traveling overseas to Ireland and then while trying to get to France, he almost drowned in a boat that he stole to avoid the law enforcement people looking for him.
During this same time, Tsu, who helped him in Rogue Enemy, also was tracking an individual and in the end also interfaced in Chris's task. The individual that Tsu was pursuing attempted an assassination on the Ambassador in Morroco assisted the individual that Chris was chasing.
The attempt was broken up and if you want to find out what the conspiracy in D.C. was about, who was included in the potential coup and what happened to TSU, then you need to read this book.
During this same time, Tsu, who helped him in Rogue Enemy, also was tracking an individual and in the end also interfaced in Chris's task. The individual that Tsu was pursuing attempted an assassination on the Ambassador in Morroco assisted the individual that Chris was chasing.
The attempt was broken up and if you want to find out what the conspiracy in D.C. was about, who was included in the potential coup and what happened to TSU, then you need to read this book.
December 27, 2025
A Capitol Thriller!
Solid gold Collins thriller by Hopton.
Chris Collins is ready to retire from the CIA and do some security consulting work after a demotion puts him back in a tiny office after a career filled with investigative and highly sensitive operative work.
Until he sees an international assassin at a DC gathering and over hears parts of a conversation between him and a Senator who is also a potential presidential candidate.
Then he is on the run as they come after him to frame him and try to discredit him and have him accused of murder.
The action begins as he goes on the run to track down the assassin and discover his connections and plans with the Senator.
Good characters within a compelling story.
Now, on to the next edition.
Solid gold Collins thriller by Hopton.
Chris Collins is ready to retire from the CIA and do some security consulting work after a demotion puts him back in a tiny office after a career filled with investigative and highly sensitive operative work.
Until he sees an international assassin at a DC gathering and over hears parts of a conversation between him and a Senator who is also a potential presidential candidate.
Then he is on the run as they come after him to frame him and try to discredit him and have him accused of murder.
The action begins as he goes on the run to track down the assassin and discover his connections and plans with the Senator.
Good characters within a compelling story.
Now, on to the next edition.
May 23, 2023
Utterly devastating drama
Whilst Chris Collins is deliberately compromised in his position as Deputy CIA director, he has to make the unenviable decision to disappear to prevent unscrupulous enemies who are planning his ultimate demise. With few if any people who he can rely on, for help, he escaped the country risking life and limb to bring down a very unsavoury politician who is planning to get himself installed as the next President of the USA. Just as he thinks he has succeeded in bringing his plan to fruition he finds that not all his 'alllies' are fighting the good fight. How will he complete his task against such odds.
Whilst Chris Collins is deliberately compromised in his position as Deputy CIA director, he has to make the unenviable decision to disappear to prevent unscrupulous enemies who are planning his ultimate demise. With few if any people who he can rely on, for help, he escaped the country risking life and limb to bring down a very unsavoury politician who is planning to get himself installed as the next President of the USA. Just as he thinks he has succeeded in bringing his plan to fruition he finds that not all his 'alllies' are fighting the good fight. How will he complete his task against such odds.
December 15, 2019
Chris gets demoted and decides to retire from the CIA. He gets framed for a crime he did not commit. Chris goes on the run to try to prove his innocence. A politician, McGoldrick, that is being framed to work with an international crime unit. McGoldrick wants to run for higher office and will do what ever he can to achieve that goal. The director of the CIA is not what she seems. Chris again works the Tsu to try to break up the international crime unit. This novel has a lot of action. A page turner thriller.
April 27, 2020
An action packed on the go thriller. Chris Collins has been framed and has to go on the run to both get away from people who are tracking and trying to kill him, while trying to find out why a senator wants him dead and what the conspiracy regarding the Senator and the presidency is all about.
Meanwhile Tsu is also involved in trying to track down the killer of her partner and through following her leads find that her and Chris's investigations become the same and they join forces. A very enjoyable and exciting read. Recommended for readers who enjoy non stop action and a very good story line
Meanwhile Tsu is also involved in trying to track down the killer of her partner and through following her leads find that her and Chris's investigations become the same and they join forces. A very enjoyable and exciting read. Recommended for readers who enjoy non stop action and a very good story line
May 25, 2023
Capitol Break is a great sequel in the Chris Collins series
CIA Deputy Director Chris Collins' world has suddenly fallen apart. He quickly determines there is only way left: to fix it himself.
As such, he embarks on a page-turning multi-country journey to fight forces that are attempting to attack America. Fortunately, amidst his adventures, he still has a key CIA contact to guide him away from dangerous incidents that allow him to continue tracking down the key people that stand in his way to protect his country.
This is one great story you should read!
CIA Deputy Director Chris Collins' world has suddenly fallen apart. He quickly determines there is only way left: to fix it himself.
As such, he embarks on a page-turning multi-country journey to fight forces that are attempting to attack America. Fortunately, amidst his adventures, he still has a key CIA contact to guide him away from dangerous incidents that allow him to continue tracking down the key people that stand in his way to protect his country.
This is one great story you should read!
December 14, 2019
This second episode in the Chris Collins CIA Thriller series is action packed, filled with double crosses and unexpected intrigue as well as allegiances of necessity. Capitol Break is one of those stories that demands to be consumed in one sitting, even putting it down to eat takes extraordinary will power. While I have enjoyed several of David Berens other series, I have to say Chris Collins is rapidly becoming my favorite.
December 15, 2019
Tough read
Plot and characters were tough to follow. The narrative kept jumping from character to character, location to location. It was well along in the novel before the connections started to gel.
Some device to signal that a jump was occurring would have been helpful: stars, lines, phrases like "Meanwhile in Corabuca".
I almost dropped the book four times. But I had enough curiosity to keep coming back. It was almost worth the effort.
Plot and characters were tough to follow. The narrative kept jumping from character to character, location to location. It was well along in the novel before the connections started to gel.
Some device to signal that a jump was occurring would have been helpful: stars, lines, phrases like "Meanwhile in Corabuca".
I almost dropped the book four times. But I had enough curiosity to keep coming back. It was almost worth the effort.
April 4, 2020
Chris Collins is always in trouble and you can count on there being a lot of thrilling chases and even some laughs. This book is non-stop action and it is hard to stop reading it once you start. Make sure you have time to finish it in one sitting or you will be up too late. Chris is a character that is my personal favorite. Try it and you will not be sorry. You will soon become a fan for sure.
April 4, 2020
Political Power Grab
Part One of currently a Chris Collins trilogy, enjoyable read with Collins apparently being sidelined by the he CIA. He leaves and then finds out his sidelining was a deliberate plot. So off he goes to investigate the who and the why. With the help of friends both within and outside the CIA he reviews the case. Good read, you are however left at a cliff edge.
Part One of currently a Chris Collins trilogy, enjoyable read with Collins apparently being sidelined by the he CIA. He leaves and then finds out his sidelining was a deliberate plot. So off he goes to investigate the who and the why. With the help of friends both within and outside the CIA he reviews the case. Good read, you are however left at a cliff edge.
March 30, 2021
Interesting with lots of action.
This is an interesting book with lots of action that never stops. There is no let down. The interesting part is to find out who Chris enemy is that looks like a bull dog. There are a lot of unanswered questions to the story that leaves you hanging. The book just wasn’t finished, I guess so you will buy the next book. Authors should learn the paying customers will learn and not buy.
This is an interesting book with lots of action that never stops. There is no let down. The interesting part is to find out who Chris enemy is that looks like a bull dog. There are a lot of unanswered questions to the story that leaves you hanging. The book just wasn’t finished, I guess so you will buy the next book. Authors should learn the paying customers will learn and not buy.
September 4, 2024
Action packed adventure
It took a few chapters for the story to take off, but when it did, the action was good. I live government intrigue stories. Collis has been falsely accused ofsomethunf and leaves the CIA. He drawn back into action to prevent an international assassination Loved the action, the twists and surprises, strong primary female character. Chris Collins was human and believable not a superhuman stereotype. I look forward to more Chris Collins novels.
It took a few chapters for the story to take off, but when it did, the action was good. I live government intrigue stories. Collis has been falsely accused ofsomethunf and leaves the CIA. He drawn back into action to prevent an international assassination Loved the action, the twists and surprises, strong primary female character. Chris Collins was human and believable not a superhuman stereotype. I look forward to more Chris Collins novels.
March 17, 2020
The enemy is ?
Chris Collins, history of rogue actions, finds his world falling apart. Trust is a problem because he is surrounded by a force that wants him to lose everything. He sets out to find where the terrorist activity is coming from and those responsible. Lots of action and interesting story.
Chris Collins, history of rogue actions, finds his world falling apart. Trust is a problem because he is surrounded by a force that wants him to lose everything. He sets out to find where the terrorist activity is coming from and those responsible. Lots of action and interesting story.
April 12, 2020
I definitely felt like this was a more plot driven or action driven style than a character driven style. I never really felt like I got to know the characters beyond the basic level. The story was interesting, but not enough that I feel like I have to go out and search for the next book in the series, sorry to say.
August 3, 2020
4am...Had to finish!
This was so worth the late night/early morning! You really can't stop reading this superbly written book. So many people trying hard to stay in the limelight but also in a secret society pulling the strings leading to murder, political espionage, just about every angle you can think of.
This was so worth the late night/early morning! You really can't stop reading this superbly written book. So many people trying hard to stay in the limelight but also in a secret society pulling the strings leading to murder, political espionage, just about every angle you can think of.
May 22, 2023
Alcohol anyone?
The constant focus on drinking was gratuitous and unnecessary. The main characters were always mysteriously ambushed. Occasionally the action was very good. The plot seemed interesting, but not sure how any of the characters were able to talk or walk after their drinking bouts seemed impossible.
The constant focus on drinking was gratuitous and unnecessary. The main characters were always mysteriously ambushed. Occasionally the action was very good. The plot seemed interesting, but not sure how any of the characters were able to talk or walk after their drinking bouts seemed impossible.
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December 21, 2019Fantastic
If I could give more than 5 stars for this novel I would. It was fast paced and filled with adventure and memorable characters that kept me glued to my seat. I finished it one sitting.
If I could give more than 5 stars for this novel I would. It was fast paced and filled with adventure and memorable characters that kept me glued to my seat. I finished it one sitting.
January 22, 2020
Great Book with well developed characters, and a plot that will keep you turning pages. It's honestly one if the best books I've read. Highly recommend. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
March 20, 2020
Capitol Break
Not a fan. Started slow but then seemed like it was going to pick up and get better. Maybe it does further on in the book but I only made it to 18%. Continual ‘F bomb’ used as a young man who just discovered the word might use it.
Not a fan. Started slow but then seemed like it was going to pick up and get better. Maybe it does further on in the book but I only made it to 18%. Continual ‘F bomb’ used as a young man who just discovered the word might use it.
March 20, 2020
Twists and Turns
Good adventure thriller that is fast paced, full of twists and turns , and with key players that come together for a surprising ending. Leaves the reader ready to start the next book.
Good adventure thriller that is fast paced, full of twists and turns , and with key players that come together for a surprising ending. Leaves the reader ready to start the next book.
March 24, 2020
I enjoyed this story. Action packed and the characters are likeable. There are a few sentences throughout the book that are awkward. Maybe a spell check error or the lack of a good editor but nothing that is earth shattering.
May 1, 2020
What a waste of time. Started to quit midway, but stuck with the book. I should have quit and gave the story the rating it deserved - a single star rating. No, I will not read the rest of the series.
Books like this may yet lead me to the nearest TV.
Books like this may yet lead me to the nearest TV.
May 14, 2020
Capitol Break
A CIA thriller with a twist. Everyone is a traitor. A deputy director that is for the other side is in league with a corrupt senator running for president. They are trying to kill off all the law abiding citizens, leaving the country in unreliable hands.
A CIA thriller with a twist. Everyone is a traitor. A deputy director that is for the other side is in league with a corrupt senator running for president. They are trying to kill off all the law abiding citizens, leaving the country in unreliable hands.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews